Daniel Brand was born in Evanston, IL but grew up in sunny South Africa where his parents relocated in the 1970s.

For anyone who lives for their passion, inspiration can usually be traced back to childhood. For Daniel, the acclaimed Pretoria-based ceramicist working in porcelain and stoneware, it started in early childhood –  growing up on the floor of his mother’s studio, where he was involved with clay from an early age.

Initially, Daniel’s life took a rather different turn. He worked in the IT and finance sectors until 2012 which allowed him to travel extensively and research different civilisations and peoples and his other passion, which remained art. Daniel was reacquainted with clay and his pursuit of this art form began, in earnest.

Since 2017, Daniel has been a full-time ceramic artist, selling and exhibiting his award-winning work. He is a fervent believer in giving back, and with this ethos, Daniel is currently the Chair of Ceramics SA in Gauteng and National Secretary.

I create works of art that are decorative and sometimes functional.

It is important to me to create functional works alongside my art pieces bringing art into the home and everyday life to enhance the pleasure of food or the celebration of space and form in decorative work both provide nourishment for the soul.

The interconnectivity of clay binds us to the past and moulds us for an imagined future through the context of shape and form. My mural and sculptural work lean on the abstract aesthetic.

To create Art is to use the language of the heart and emotions, as well as, the language of the mind and intellect. Creating with clay is my way of communicating with the viewer and conveying my message through this international language of Art.